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Leadership team

Almost all of the executives at the helm of the Emirates Group have been with the organization since its birth. It's their pioneering vision that has given wings to the fastest-growing airline in the world, and the Middle East's largest provider of airport and travel services.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group

Our airline launched in 1985 with HH Sheikh Ahmed as Chairman. Under his leadership, we’ve grown from a regional airline with just two leased aircraft and three destinations to an acclaimed international airline with a fleet of more than 260 aircraft flying to over 155 destinations.

Over the past 30 years, HH Sheikh Ahmed has been at the forefront of Dubai’s remarkable economic development, spearheading the successful expansion of aviation as well as formulating economic, investment, and fiscal policies that support Dubai’s vision.

HH Sheikh Ahmed has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver (Colorado, USA).

Sir Tim Clark

President, Emirates Airline

Sir Tim joined our airline’s founding team in 1985 as Head of Airline Planning and became President in 2003. He’s been instrumental in Emirates' transformation into the global giant it is today.

Prior to joining Emirates, Sir Tim built his reputation as a talented route planner at Gulf Air, which had recruited him from Caledonian Airways. He also held the position of Managing Director of Sri Lankan Airlines until 2008.

Sir Tim holds a degree in Economics from London University, UK, and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He also holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Middlesex and an honorary degree from the Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University, both in the UK.

Abdulaziz Al Ali

Executive Vice President Human Resources, Emirates Airline & Group

Abdulaziz Al Ali joined Emirates in 1986 and has been an integral member of the Emirates Group for 31 years. In July 2003, he became Emirates' Executive Vice President of Human Resources.

In this capacity, Mr. Al Ali is responsible for the Group’s HR strategy; he manages the overall provision of the human resources function, including policies, training and development, hiring, and retention. He is also responsible for the Group’s medical services department and Emirates Aviation University.

Prior to taking over this position, he was the Director Human Resources and, from 2000 to 2002, Head of Human Resources.

Mr. Al Ali graduated with a BA Honors degree in Mathematics from Colchester University, England, and earned an MSc in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA.

Adel Ahmad Al Redha

Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer

Since joining Emirates in 1985, Adel Ahmad Al Redha has been a pivotal player on the operations team in various capacities. He has taken on broader responsibilities with the growth of the company. His experience over the years has covered all aspects of operations and logistics, including engineering, flight operations, service delivery, airport services, network operations, and aircraft procurement.

He was appointed to his current role in 2013. In his various roles with the company, he was instrumental in introducing ab initio cadet programs, engineering apprenticeships, and training in air transport management for UAE nationals pursuing careers in aviation. He also played a vital role in expanding Emirates' engineering and maintenance department, including the development of the state-of-the-art engine maintenance shop and the establishment of the Emirates Flight Training Academy.

He is a key participant in the definition of aircraft specifications and in scoping Emirates products in relation to cabin interiors and inflight entertainment. In addition, he has been instrumental in digitizing all aspects of operations, most recently by introducing paperless cockpits and biometric machines and automated passenger movement systems within the airport.

Mr. Al Redha holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology/Aircraft Maintenance from Northrop University (California, USA), and a Master’s degree in Air Transport from Cranfield University, UK.

Ali Mubarak Al Soori

Ali Mubarak Al Soori joined us in 1986. He is responsible for directing the Emirates Group’s varied procurement activities and has been a leading figure in the construction of various assets and building facilities around the globe.

Nigel Hopkins

Executive Vice President, Service Departments

Nigel Hopkins began his career with us in 1994 and was appointed Executive Vice President, Service Departments, in June 2005. He manages finance, treasury, IT, legal, and insurance services within the company.

He previously headed the Group Finance team as Senior Vice President and prior to that, held a number of other roles on the Finance team. Mr. Hopkins, who is a Fellow of the UK Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, spent 10 years at British Airways before joining us.

Thierry Antinori

Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer

Thierry Antinori began his career with us in October 2011 as Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales Worldwide. In June 2013, he was promoted to his current position, where he is responsible for commercial operations and products, Emirates Skywards, and Emirates Skycargo.

His aviation career spans nearly 30 years and includes senior commercial positions at both Lufthansa and Air France. Mr. Antinori holds a business management diploma from the French business school ESSEC in Paris, France.

Christoph Mueller

Chief Digital and Innovation Officer

Christoph Mueller joined us as Chief Digital and Innovation Officer in September 2016. One of Mr. Mueller’s priorities will be to lead enterprise change management to create a group-wide transformation; he has been involved in large-scale change management and turnaround projects throughout his career.

Previously, he was the Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airlines and CEO of Aer Lingus. Prior to that, he held positions as Executive Aviation Director at Tui Travel plc. and was Group CFO of DHL worldwide and CEO of Sabena. He has also held senior management positions at Lufthansa, Daimler Benz Aerospace, and Airbus.